"Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst." - John 6:35
The Liturgy of the Eucharist begins with the preparation of the gifts and the altar. As the ministers prepare the altar, representatives of the people bring forward the bread and wine that will become the Body and Blood of Christ. The celebrant blesses and praises God for these gifts and places them on the altar, the place of the Eucharistic sacrifice. In addition to the bread and wine, monetary gifts for the support of the Church and the care of the poor may be brought forward. The Prayer over the Offerings concludes this preparation and disposes all for the Eucharistic Prayer.
Source: http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/sacraments-and-sacramentals/eucharist/
First Holy Communion is administered to students in the second grade. Preparation is completed through Catholic school education or through our CREED religious education program.
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (O.C.I.A) is the process through which persons inquire into and determine if they are called to live out their faith as a member of the Catholic Church. For both those who have or have not been baptized, OCIA will prepare you to receive your first holy communion typically at the Easter Vigil.